Boosting business
In December 2015, a group of business owners from Trussville decided to come together to promote the city’s business district. The result was the Trussville Downtown Merchants Association, a group dedicated to drawing in new business and showing people what the area has to offer.
“We want to work with our members, promote our members [and] help grow their business,” said Greg Carroll, who owns Carroll Pharmacy and who serves as president of the group.
The association is now a nonprofit that claims 30 members and was responsible for events such as the Downtown Block Party in 2016. Featuring live music, classic cars and food trucks, the event drew an estimated 4,000-5,000 guests.
“Whenever we’re talking about an event, not only do we want to just draw people downtown, but our main goal is to draw people into our actual businesses,” said Donnette Plant, vice president and event coordinator. Donnette Plant, whose husband, Brian Plant, has a downtown law office and whose parents own Plant’s Framed Art, knows the importance of supporting local business.
This summer’s events are designed to do just that, kicking off with a scavenger-hunt style event April 8. On June 17, the association is planning a music festival to echo last year’s block party.
“So we’re going to try to have all types of music,” Donnette Plant said. “We’re going to have a nice stage and, of course, food trucks.”
On July 15, in partnership with the Historical Society, the association will also present a classic car show that will highlight the history of Trussville.
“We’re going to focus on kind of looking at our past and looking at our future,” Donnette Plant said. “What downtown can be.”
The last event of the summer, on Aug. 19, was proposed to the association by local artist Laura Reichert. The event will feature a focus on local folk art, offering opportunities for members of the community to view, purchase and participate in the creation of art.
“This is a big year for the merchants association,” Carroll said.
He emphasized the association’s desire to work with groups like the Trussville Downtown Redevelopment Authority, which is currently offering grants to business owners to update their building facades.
“We want to see it grow and prosper,” Carroll said of the downtown area. “So the main thing is working together for one common goal — to improve the business district — which helps us all.”
While the group is focused on the downtown area, membership is open to anyone with an interest in the prosperity of Trussville.
“So you can be a merchant or a business anywhere, but if you want to network with downtown businesses and be involved … you can participate,” Carroll said.
For more information about membership and events, go to the Trussville Downtown Merchants Association on Facebook or send an email to trussvilledowntown@gmail.com.